Our Sky Trekker program continued to grow this year and was very well received.
Our budding astronomers paid attention in class...
They put together and decorated an ornament.
The evening program is geared around two levels: beginner and advanced. Both programs start with an introduction to the night sky. Beginner level requires that the kids identify three bright stars and six constellations or asterisms. This gave the kids a simple introduction to back-yard astronomy that was easy for elementary school kids to understand and achieve.
The advanced program required that the student complete the beginner level and then be able to find three of five types of deep sky objects: Nebulas, Globular clusters, open clusters, double stars or galaxies. Additionally, they had to sketch a solar system object. Students who participated took home their study guide and a planisphere. Those who completed the course got a certificate, a pin and a Dilly Bar ice cream bar!
Additionally, Celestron donated 10 FirstScopes to support this program. Everyone who completed the course was entered to win a FirstScope. Four won a scope on Friday night and five more won scopes on Saturday night. A great start for a future astronomer.
The tenth scope was awarded to the junior class winner in the AstroQuiz.
Awards of participation are presented at our awards ceremony. Well done to everyone! This will certainly help our family grow over time.
The Sky Trekker program was featured in the March 2009 issue of the Astronomical League's "Reflector" magazine. The article is here.
